Clover
Ash covered Clover’s eyes making it impossible to see anything. They inched along a slippery path and she struggled to stay upright. Being nine months pregnant had already fucked with her equilibrium and now Ash thought he had a great idea to have her walk on a funky path. The scent of the fresh waterfall filled her lungs and Clover turned to him trying her best to see past his fingers.
“We’re almost there, love,” he whispered in her ear.
“If I can’t see where I’m walking, I might trip and fall and it wouldn’t be good for the baby,” she snapped and he stopped ushering her along. He seemed so excited to show her something. His sigh of defeat calmed down her nerves.
“Fine, but I want to show you the best view after you open your eyes.”
“Deal.” She rolled her shoulders and he pulled back his fingers. A small gasp left her lips as she took in the area. Thick black rocks jutted up around little waterfalls and the blue water reminded her of the sky. The snow had given up last week so she wasn’t shivering in the cold.
“It’s beautiful, Ash.” Her voice came out no more than a whisper, she didn’t want to disturb the peace and serenity the place gave off in waves.
“I wanted to give you the best view but you’re right, the rocks are a bit slippery from all melting snow.” His shoulders sagged a bit but Clover turned into his arms.
“Show me then, just keep one arm around me instead of blocking my view.” She winked and he grinned. The way he smiled made her heart melt, even after so much time had passed she couldn’t believe how much her life had changed. Ash wrapped his arm around her waist keeping her close. They inched carefully toward the edge and he turned her north. A picture-perfect view of the little waterfall took her breath away.
“I have come here since I was eighteen. I like to run through the water in my wolf form, my beast always has a freaking blast.”
“Let’s do it.” She inched back and shrugged off her jacket.
“Honey, I don’t-” He glanced down at the swollen belly which always gave him worry.
“I’ll take it slow.” Clover smiled and her beast within loved the idea of getting out to play. She slipped off her clothes and shifted before Ash managed to finish stripping.
“Damn it, woman.” He shifted with his boxers still on, the fabric fell to the ground while Clover jumped into the water. The cold water zipped up her paw to her spine. Holy shit, it’s freezing! She wanted to suggest to her wolf they get out but her wolf didn’t care about the water temperature. Instead, she bound up the side of the river and jumped into the deepest part of the pool. The baby kicked hard while Clover’s wolf stayed afloat.
A growl vibrated behind her followed by a splash of water near her face. Ash nipped at her side and the beast ignored the obvious warning. Instead, she prattled toward the waterfall, then over to the edge. Clover was glad Patrick stayed with Tara for lunch, she didn’t have to worry about her pup drowning.
A sharp pain surged through her belly making her beast whimper. Carefully, she walked up the bank and another surge of agony tightened her belly as she cleared the edge. Another few steps and she found a blanket on an even surface. She inched his way when Ash shifted next to her.
“What’s wrong?” He rubbed her back as another spike shot through her. The air stilled in her lungs as the pulsing pain ricocheted up her back. She whimpered again before falling sideways onto the blanket. A wicker basket rested a few inches from her face but she ignored the scent of bread and turkey.
“Is the baby coming?” he asked and Clover nodded. “Don’t shift then, just push when you’re ready.” He kneeled and kissed her forehead. His hand traced down her back while another contraction hit. Instead of fighting it, she pushed through the pain and gritted her teeth.
She gasped and tried to focus on pushing while the agony ripped her apart.
“Come on, my love. You can do this.” He met her gaze and she huffed. On the next stronger contraction, she tried her hardest to remember to breathe as she pushed. The pressure grew stronger with every second before it popped like a balloon.
A little cry rang out and she glanced down to see her little baby making its entrance into the world.
“He’s beautiful.” Ash held onto their child as she pushed the last bit. He used one hand and ripped part of the blanket away to keep their son warm. Clover’s body shook as she shifted back to her human form.
“That shit hurt.” She relaxed into the soft blanket she destroyed with all the mess of childbirth.
“Ready to hold him?” Ash extended his arms and she took the baby.
“What do you think we should call him?” she asked while he fussed in her arms but after a bit of adjusting, he stopped.
“You already know my vote.” He winked making her giggle.
“Little Ferdinand might be a lot to live up to.” She moved some of his black hair and admired him. “Oh, alright, fine I’ll give in.”
Love filled her heart as she stared at her son but something was missing.
“Let’s get home.” Ash seemed to read her mind.
“Yes, Patrick needs to meet his younger brother.” Clover kissed Ferdinand’s head and held him close. She’d do everything and anything she could to protect her babies, no matter what.